John Romano continues to explore multiple artistic pursuits

Talk with Menlo Park resident John Romano and you might conclude that art is in his bones.

“Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be an artist,” he said. “Both fine and commercial art, the latter because I wanted to be the guy in a white shirt and tie carrying a brief case.

“I grew up watching the television artist Jon Gagne. He really was a huge influence.”

After winning a “Draw Me” competition advertised by Art Instruction Schools on the back of a magazine, John received a four year scholarship to attend Cooper Union in New York City where he studied both fine and commercial art.

Today John is involved with a ride range of art, as displayed on his website. We centered a recent conversation on the digital art piece he was photographed next to (shown above).

“Named Garden Jewel it is comprised of elements that grew in our garden when we lived in Palo Alto. They include: Romanesque broccoli, watermelon rind and flesh, Zinnia stamen, pistils and petals, Rose petals, thyme, weeds (seasonal grass), Freesia petals, Moth wings, Gold leaf and Satin.”

But John doesn’t spend all of his time indoors. He is grateful to live close to Sharon Park. “It’s there that I see Blue herons (pictured), egrets and ducks. And I meet other photographers so it’s a great place for networking.”

Listen to John talk about his art in this recent YouTube video

Photo of John Romano by Robb Most (c) 2026

Photo of Blue Heron by John Romano; used with permission.